Terry A. Schmidt

Terry Arthur Schmidt, 86, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2024, at Munson Medical Center.
Terry was born in Grand Rapids, MI on October 27, 1937, the son of Arthur and Rose (Tupper) Schmidt. Terry was raised in Grand Rapids and graduated from Catholic Central High School, and Aquinas College.
Terry is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years Janice, and children: Chris (Rhiannon) Schmidt, and daughter Esme of Houghton; Pam (Steve) Bardenhagen, daughters Megan and Lucy of Lake Leelanau; and Laura (John) Elwell and daughters Hanna and Sarah of Leland. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Art.
Terry enjoyed a diverse career in sales, working as a Regional Sales Manager for Follet Publishing while living in Chicago. He went on to work for Borg Warner while living in Columbus Ohio.
In 1977, Terry moved to the shores of Lake Leelanau with Jan and their young family, where he continued his work in sales and eventually enjoy retirement. Here, he loved to set sail on windy days and, when the wind waned, would cast for minnows (size was never the object). Out on the deck he was known for blasting music and grilling up heaping platters of chicken. He enjoyed fishing, country dancing, euchre, Scrabble, woodworking, and a good martini. He was a voracious reader of historical fiction. Terry and Jan loved to travel with lifelong friends. He loved being a grandparent, and watching with pride his granddaughters dance, perform, and play volleyball.
Terry was an active member of St. Wenceslaus Parish and abided by an active, quiet faith that was lived rather than preached. He never failed to demonstrate kindness, courtesy, and generosity. He freely gave of his time volunteering for Father Freds and Leelanau Christian Neighbors. He was always thinking outside of the box, and looked to solve systems, rather than problems. He had an undeclared goal to solve poverty, and very well may have solved it if he had lived another 80 years. He will be greatly missed.
A Rosary and Catholic Mass were held at St. Wenceslaus church in Suttons Bay.